Division and Differentiation Flashcards
1
Q
What is a stem cell?
A
They are undifferentiated and can divide to form specialised cells
2
Q
When does differentiation happen?
A
When:
Some genes are switched off
Genes that are vital to all living cells are expressed
Genes for specialised cell functions are expressed
3
Q
Where are stem cells found?
A
In all parts of the body
4
Q
What is the inner mass of the early embryo?
A
Pluripotent
5
Q
What does pluripotent mean?
A
The cells found there are capable of are capable of dividing to for. All types of specialised cell
6
Q
What type of stem cell is multipotent?
A
Adult stem cell
7
Q
What does multipotent mean?
A
Stems which are multipotent have a limited ability to differentiate and can only do so in the tissue they came from
